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Spiritual Growth – Striving To Love With The God Kind Of Love

Spiritual Growth – Striving To Love With The God Kind Of Love

Develop Great Spiritual Growth With
the God Kind of Love Flowing In Your Life!

Spiritual Growth with the God Kind of LoveThe God kind of love is a love

that goes beyond words.

There are of course, many kinds of love,

but living a life that strives to love with

the God kind of love,

develops great spiritual growth within us.

Many Kinds of Love

From the time we are born, we begin to experience the love between parents and children. Then there is the love shared between family members, friends, and neighbors. There is also love shared between sweethearts and lovers.

These are just a handful of the many kinds of love, but the most important to mention, is the love shared between God and each one of us as human beings.

Putting the God Kind of Love in Action

Jesus teaches us to model the love between people, based on the way God loves us; God loves the righteous and the unrighteous alike. The entire essence of the law can be wrapped up in the commandments to love our neighbors and love our God.

“You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous.”
— Matthew 5:43-45

Loving our spouse, family, friends, and others who love us is a no brainer. But it’s an altogether thing to love an enemy that hates us and who may have it as a goal to destroy us.

When Christ tells us to love, do good, bless, and pray for our enemies, He is telling us to take action. In fact, the God kind of love isn’t about warm, fuzzy feelings; it is about taking action.

How Do We Take Actions of Love?

Well what we don’t do, is wait for emotions of love, because they may never come. Rather we start with actions of love, and the emotions of love may follow later.

How do we do it? Start with the things Jesus taught us (Luke 6:27-28):

Do Good –

Search for a way to do something good for your worst enemy. Maybe send a card with a gift certificate to a restaurant and wish him or her a great day. Keep in mind: We are not trying to cause shame, we are striving to love with the God kind of love that loved us even in our evil condition.

Bless –

Our goal is to speak and think blessings about our enemies even when they speak untrue, mean, and nasty things about us. When around others, try to actively speak well about your enemies instead of complaining about unjust treatment received from them.

Pray –

Actively pray and intercede for your enemies. Why not ask God to help heal their hearts and turn them toward His light and truth? Pray that God show them mercy and bless them. Again, keep in mind the abundant mercy and blessings God had shown to us while we were yet sinners.

Self-love seeks something in return and the sooner the better. Not so with the God kind of love; it seeks no repayment.

The truth is: Jesus is out to change you and me into an army of servants that love and care for people (even our enemies) just as He does. He wants to see spiritual growth in our lives.

Make no mistake about it: Once we start to take actions of love, spiritual growth begins to develop. Selfless love is not easy to do, but powerful when put into action. And it allows God to continue to transform us more and more into His image, so our actions will reflect His work and His presence in our hearts.

May the God kind of love abound in your heart and your life be continually blessed with growing prosperity!

Be blessed to be a blessing!

God bless you always,
Brenda

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God of Wonders – Third Day Christian Music Video

“God of Wonders” – Third Day Christian Music Video

“God of Wonders” by Third Day

“God of Wonders beyond our galaxy,
You are holy, yes You are holy,
The universe declares Your majesty,
You are holy, holy,
Lord of heaven and earth.

Early in the morning,
I will celebrate the light,
When I stumble in the darkness,
I will call Your name by night.

God of Wonders beyond our galaxy,
You are holy, yes You are holy,
The universe declares Your majesty,
You are holy, holy,
Lord of heaven and earth… Hallelujah!”

“For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: therefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.”
— Exodus 20:11

“Hearken to this, O Job: stand still, and consider the wonderous works of God. Do you kow when God disposed them and caused the light of His cloud to shine? Do you know the balancings of the clouds, the wonderous works of Him which is perfect in knowledge?”
— Job 37:14-16

Enjoy this song by Third Day!

God bless you always –
Cheers,
Brenda

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The Cards You Have Been Dealt In Life – Skit Guys Video

The Cards You Have Been Dealt In Life – Skit Guys Video

A look at life: The Good and the Bad

My pastor reminds us regularly that “Life is Life for Everyone!”

None of us want to deal with the difficult seasons in life, but that is a part of the package of life. And everyone who walks this earth is going to face them.

Consider Jesus, the son of God. Having already dealt with trials and temptations and then facing crucifixion He prayed, “Father, if you be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but yours, be done.”

Then immediately there appeared an angel to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in agony He prayed more earnestly. (Luke 22:42-44)

May we strive to always be more like Jesus and trust God. To pray that God’s will be done, regardless of the suffering we may have to go through.

“Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:18

We don’t have to give thanks FOR the difficult times, but we do have to continue to give thanks to God IN the midst of them.

God bless you,
Brenda

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Finally Home by Mercy Me – Music Video

“Finally Home” by Mercy Me – Music Video

In honor of all the men and women who put their lives on the line and fight for our freedoms.
God bless you!

And to all our loved ones, who have made it to our heavenly home before we did…
we miss you and we’ll be home soon.

***

“Finally Home” by Mercy Me

“Gonna wrap my arms around my daddy’s neck and tell him that I missed him,
And tell him all about the man that I became and hope that it pleased him,
There’s so much I want to say, there’s so much I wanted you to know.

When I finally make it home. When I finally make it home.

Then I gaze upon the throne of the King frozen in my steps,
And all the questions that I swore I would ask, words just won’t come yet,
So amazing what I’ve seen so much more than this old mind can hold.

When I finally make it home. When I finally make it home.

And the sweetest sound these ears have yet to hear,
the voices of the angels.

When I finally make it home. When I finally make it home.”

***

“And behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me,
to give every man according as his work shall be.
I am Alph and Omega, the beginning and the end,
the first and the last.
Blessed are they that do his commandments,
that they may have right ot the tree of life,
and may enter in through the gates into the city.
He which testifies these things says,
Surely I come quickly. Amen.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.”
— Revelation 22:12-14,20-21

God bless you,
Brenda

P.S. Enjoy this video, and you can find this and other Mercy Me songs on amazon, including The Generous Mr Lovewell.

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Abundant Living – Do You Want Prosperity or the Empowerment to Prosper?

Abundant Living – Do You Want Prosperity or the Empowerment to Prosper?

The Blessing of the Lord it Maketh Rich!

Abundant living is the result of choosing to become empowered to prosper.

Many people are convinced that the prosperity of God translates to money and stuff raining down out of heaven.

However that is not the prosperity of God, but actually prosperity from God.

What’s the difference between prosperity and the empowerment to prosper?

Making the Choice that Results in Abundant Living!

In Proverbs 10:22, it says, “The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich.” Notice it does not say the blessings make you rich; it is the blessing of God that is the key here.

What this means is that you want the empowerment to prosper and not just the prosperity itself. You don’t just want the fish; you want to learn how to fish.

When Abraham prospered, it wasn’t because God dropped down a camel or a son out of the sky. No, he was blessed because God empowered him to prosper. For example, he and his wife were given the ability to parent a child at an old age.

And the good news is that God has given you the ability to gain wealth and prosper.

Getting Empowered to Prosper

Power comes when believers put the principles of God’s Word to work in their life. It is your faith that will manifest results. Wisdom is also needed for you to understand and apply the Word of God in order to receive prosperity. Wisdom will help you realize the power available to you through your faith.

In order to experience prosperity, we must apply God’s principles by faith.

God is the one that does the multiplying and gives us the desires and ideas. He is the divine instructor that tells us what to do. And when we over, and over, apply the principles of the Word concerning prosperity, and make them part of our daily life, that’s when we start getting results.

Remember, prosperity doesn’t just drop in our lap. Re-enforcing the Word through daily meditation on prosperity principles should become a lifestyle. If we want to be a prosperous person tomorrow, we have to apply God’s principles of sowing and reaping in the difficult times of lack today.

Start with the faith you now have and then gain knowledge and wisdom concerning what the Word really says about finances. Act on that knowledge and mix your faith with it and you’ll soon start getting desirable results.

Make the following your regular confession:

“Today, I live in the blessing of God and I am empowered to prosper in every way!”

Keep in touch with God so you can be empowered to live an abundant life. Put yourself in position for God to empower you to prosper in everything you set your hands to do.

Then, when the economy takes a downturn or the storms of life blow through, you can say, “So What!” because you’ll know you are empowered to prosper.  You can know God will take care of you, and will honor His Word by prospering the work of your hands.

Believe it or not: God wants you blessed and empowered to prosper. He’s looking for ways to bless you. He wants to help you out in life and give you good success. Go ahead and believe it, because that is a key factor in what it takes to get it.

May you live empowered to prosper and experience an abundant life of growing prosperity!

Be blessed to be a blessing –

God bless you,
Brenda

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Mark Schultz – Love Has Come – Music Video

Mark Schultz – Love Has Come – Music Video

“Love Has Come” – Music Video

Love has come.
Jesus already paid the price on the cross.
Every heart can now be set free.

And Jesus is going to return again. And there is coming a moment when every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and God is Love. Everyone will see that God is love and He sent His love for us all!

Although one day every knee shall bow and every tongue confess (have to affirm, no one will be able to deny the truth) that Jesus Christ is Lord, only those who choose to put their faith in Him, in this life, will have an everlasting relationship with Him after death.

God’s people have much to be excited about!

“And being found in fashion as a man,
He humbled himself, and became obedient to death,
even the death of the cross.
Wherefore God also has highly exalted Him,
and given Him a name which is above every name:
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
of things in heaven, and things in earth,
and things under the earth;
And that every tongue should confess that
Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
— Philippians 2:8-10

Enjoy this song!

God bless you –

Cheers,
Brenda

P.S. You can find the song “Love Has Come” by Mark Schultz on his album Come Alive at amazon.

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I Can Only Imagine by Mercy Me – Christian Music Video

I Can Only Imagine by Mercy Me – Christian Music Video

“I Can Only Imagine” by Mercy Me

“I can only imagine what it will be like, when I walk by Your side.
I can only imagine what my eyes will see, when Your face is before me.
Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel?

I can only imagine… when that day comes…”

This is not a new song, but does help us keep our heavenly eternal home in perspective. In a world that is increasingly trying to steal our peace, it is important to keep our focus on the source of true peace.

“Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means.”
— 2 Thessalonians 3:16
“He that is righteous, let him be righteous still:
and he that is holy, let him be holy still.
And, behold, I come quickly;
and My reward is with Me,
to give every man according as his work shall be.
I am Alpha and Omega,
the beginning and the end, the first and the last.
Blessed are they that do His commandments,
that they may have right to the tree of life,
and may enter in through the gates into the city.
…The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
Amen.”
— Revelation 22:11-14,21

God bless you,
Brenda

P.S. You can find a large selection of Mercy Me music at amazon.

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Future Hope – Top 10 Inspiring Reasons to Believe Your Future Is Bright!

Future Hope – Top 10 Inspiring Reasons to Believe Your Future Is Bright!

A Future Filled with Hope and Success

Hope for the future is available…

but it can sometimes seem hard to come by.

It is often said we have our whole life ahead of us.

Yet, many people go through difficult seasons in life and question what there is to look forward to.

No matter where you are, hope for the future is available for you to grab onto.

10 Inspiring Reasons to Believe Your Future is Bright:

1. Mistakes in Life Do Not Have the Final Say

If you make mistakes, you can start over. Mistakes are a part of the growing process and learning curve of life. As we start putting our mistakes in the past, our future begins to look bright.

2. You are a Work in Progress

God has promised to keep on working in you and with you. Growing and developing takes time and we should expect continued personal growth in our future.

3. Never Too Young or Old

You are never too young or old to fill your days with meaning and purpose. Consider Moses: He was 80 years old when God called him to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt!

4. Every Day is a New Day

Each day is new and fresh. You can make the most of each one. If we’ve fallen short today, we can look forward to a new day tomorrow. Thank God that His grace and mercy is new every day. (Lamentations 3:21-23)

5. You are Never Alone

God said He would never leave you or abandon you. (Hebrews 13:5) People may leave us, but God will not. The future is bright knowing God is in it.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Spirit.” — Romans 15:13

6. God Loves You

God loves you unconditionally! God loves you just the way you are. But like the saying goes, He also loves you too much to leave you the way you are.

7. You Have a Purpose in Life

God created you with a purpose and you can discover it. We have all been given unique gifts and talents that help us fulfill our purpose. Discovering our purpose and living it makes the future bright not only for us, but also those around us.

8. God Shall Supply All Your Needs

God will take care of your needs as you seek and obey His Word. (Philippians 4:19) “The Lord is my portion, says my soul: therefore will I hope in Him.” – Lamentations 3:24

9. Mansions in Heaven

God has created a wondrous place in heaven for His children. We have hope that after our life on earth we graduate to eternal life in heaven. “In My Father’s house are many mansions… I go to prepare a place for you.” – John 14:2

10. Guidance from the Most High God

If we trust, rely on, and acknowledge God, He will direct our life. The God that created the universe is available to help guide our life. “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” – Proverbs 3:6

Hope for the future may have faded for you. You may feel like you are in a prison and have no future. But no matter where you are, God has promised to bless you with a future filled with hope and success, not suffering. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Do yourself a favor: Have hope and believe your future is bright. Let the truth of God’s love set you free. God is a miracle-working God. He does not punish us all our life for our mistakes.  He wants us to look forward and not backward. Put your hope and trust in God and allow Him to be an active part of your life.

May your hope be strong, your future bright, and your life full of growing prosperity!

Be blessed to be a blessing –

Cheers,
Brenda

P.S. Feel free to share your thoughts… and thanks to Billy Alexander for this fun image – you can view more of his creative images here.

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